Good Evening every one. This is my first post so please be kind …..

First of all I’d like to give my thanks for all the hard work that's obviously gone on building up the knowledge base here. I have joined up mostly to research the Number 4 MK1 T as it has been a long term goal of mine to buy a good honest one. I have spent quite a few hours working my way through the web site, the fantastic virtual tours and also the Armourer’s perspective book by Mr Laidlericon & Skennertonicon (excellent book– totally invaluable)

I’ve recently found one for sale with a chest and tin, which I should be able to get a good look over this weekend, but in the meantime the seller has sent me some very blurry photos (with his apologies as to the ability of the camera) to get an idea of what to look for when I see it in the metal as it were. It’s with a scope tin & chest, all seeming to be matching.

Hope it’s OK if I post the pictures here and my thoughts, it would a great help if people could chime in with their observations and help me learn what to look for.

Rifle:
Basically it’s a BSA 1943, serial number B30XXX - so it’s close to some that are mentioned on here, but I’m not sure if the early date means that some of the standards may not have been too rigidly applied at this point in time.

I think the “T” stamp on the left hand side is in the correct font (hard to see on the pic) it supposedly has the “S” sighting stamp and what looks to be the crown over “E” Enfield examiners mark, though this is again hard to see on the photo.

The scope pads look to have been off quite a few times on the front & a couple on the back (not unusual?)

The Holland and Holland S51 looks to be in an unusual font from all the others I have seen, I presume this may not be original ???

A scope serial number 6804 is stamped on the wrist.

Attachment 28532Attachment 28533Attachment 28534Attachment 28535Attachment 28536Attachment 28537Attachment 28538


Scope:

In the photo it reads
TEL. SIGHTING
No 32. MK.1.
OS. 466A KL
1942 REG. No 6804
/¦\
Can’t see if there is an extra line after this, but don’t think so.


The markings on the rings are not marked in white paint.
The scope mount has the rifles number on it. Not sure if the profile of the rear leg looks a little strange to me.
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Scope Tin:
Stamped:
CASE, STG.TEL.
No8 MARK1
B.E. Ltd 1941 OS906A

Stampings look a little erratic, not sure if these were hand done ?.

Attachment 28547Attachment 28548

Chest,
I don’t know much about these, but is marked
RIFLE NO.4 MK1 T
839482
SIGHT TELE NO.32 MK1
6804

Attachment 28549Attachment 28550Attachment 28551Attachment 28552



So, allowing for the fact that I haven’t checked the battle sights, front woodwork and a few other areas, I guess my biggest concerns are

The unusual S51 stamp on the butt and the scope

No white markings on the scope drums

General finish of the scope (allowing for the low res picture)

“Scope Serial number” 6804 that is marked on the rifle, scope case and chest, but on the scope the number 6804 seems to be a reference number and not a serial number. (If it is the serial number then it should be a Kershaw MK1 – I cant find any reference pics of one of them to compare)


Any thoughts on the above and what else I’ve missed? It would be good to go armed with more knowledge than i currently have, or at least know its it likely to be a waste of time before I start.

Thanks all, a No4 MK1 T would be the biggest purchase I’ve made in collecting deacts, so I really want to get it right first time.
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